Prediction: Brazil vs Argentina

Verdict: Both teams to score – no

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what is a heavyweight affair on Sunday night, Brazil will welcome Argentina to São Paulo when the two South American giants face off on World Cup qualifying duties.

Brazil

Starting with the hosts, after being left heartbroken following their Copa America defeat against Sunday’s opponents on July 11th, there is no doubt the Yellows would have been glad to make an immediate return to winning ways. While Tite’s men might not have been at their best when they made the trip out to Chile earlier in the week, the former world champions did pick up a welcomed 1-0 win on foreign soil. With the likes of Neymar still in their ranks, the Seleção have only continued on what has been a real qualifying romp this year. Desperate to get some immediate revenge on their bitter South American rivals this weekend, Brazil have remarkably won all seven of their World Cup qualifiers, a run that has seen them gain a string of plaudits. Already holding a commanding six-point buffer at the top of the table, it’s also worth highlighting that Sunday’s hosts have now gone almost 500 minutes without picking the ball out of their net on qualifying duties.

Team News

With the Premier League making the decision to not allow players to travel to red list countries, Brazil will once again be without the likes of Thiago Silva, Fabinho, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison.

However, while both Ederson and Alisson Becker might have also not made the trip to São Paulo, PSG superstar Neymar will lead their charge on home soil.

Argentina

As for the visitors, while Argentina might have opened July’s Copa America final tipped as a real underdog, Lionel Scaloni’s side managed to make South American history as they snatched a famous 1-0 win. With the mood in their camp at a red-hot high as they turned their attention back to World Cup qualifying duties, La Albiceleste kept up that momentum with a rampant display on foreign soil. Making the trip to Venezuela in the early hours of Friday, this weekend’s guests picked up a thumping 3-1 win and they find themselves sat in pole position to book a spot at next year’s finals. With their attack once again spearheaded by PSG’s latest new arrival and six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, Scaloni’s men are now in the midst of a seven-match winning run across all formats, a run that stems back to June 14th. In fact, now enjoying what has become a remarkable 21-match unbeaten run, there is no doubt that Argentina will be fancying their chances of springing another upset.

Team News

Despite recently making his return to Argentina’s squad, Juventus ace Paulo Dybala looks like he will have to settle for a spot on the bench. Inter Milan marksman Lautaro Martinez should lead the line with Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.

New Atletico Madrid star Rodrigo De Paul should retain his spot in midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two side’s faced off in the Copa America final back in July, Argentina picked up a shock 1-0 victory.
• Each of the last five meetings between Sunday’s opponents across all formats have finished with under 2.5 goals.
• Likewise, only one of the last eight meetings between the two South American giants have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Argentina have won each of their last seven straight matchups across all formats.
• Brazil have won each of their seven World Cup qualifying contests, keeping a clean sheet in six of those fixtures.

Conclusion

While we might have a battle between two South American giants this weekend, don’t be surprised to see another low-scoring affair. With Argentina landing that famous 1-0 win on July’s Copa America final, Sunday’s opponents have now seen each of their last five meetings across all formats finish with under 2.5 goals. Two sides who have continued to gain a string of plaudits for their success at the back, chances could come at a real premium here. With Brazil now going almost 500 minutes without shipping a qualifying goal, we’re backing another cagey showdown in São Paulo.

Verdict: Both teams to score – no

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet